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In this episode, I share why space and distanceare key in horse communication, and why they’re essential in Liberty Connection Work™. In fact, it’s so important that I never work in round-pens or picadeiros (small squares of 10x10 to 15x15 meters) during liberty connection sessions. Trust, play, clear communication, and natural connection only happen when horses have room to move, choose, and express themselves freely. And to do that, they need space, a lot of space! So in this episode, you’ll discover the 7 reasons I always work in a large arena, paddock, or pasture, including: Why round-pens give a false sense of connectionHow giving sensitive or reactive horses distance keeps both of you safeHow a big space shows you the full truth of your horse’s feelingsHow freedom sparks play, joy, and lively energyHow working with multiple horses in a large space boosts your horsewoman skills and awarenessWhy true choice can only happen with space…and much more! If you want to learn how to connect and communicate naturally with your horse, especially if your horse is fearful, distrustful, reactive, or traumatized, this episode is for you. Knowing how to communicate through space and distance can completely change the dynamics of your relationship and your horse’s well-being. Listen now and discover why ditching the round-pen could transform your connection. Plus: Early birds can join the Inner Circle list for my upcoming Liberty Connection & Beyond Program, with special bonuses for subscribers.

This episode is about something that influences every single moment we share with our horses, even when we’re not aware of it.It’s about body awareness and self-awareness.It’s about the subtle, yet powerful language we speak through our posture, our breath, and our energy. In this episode, you’ll learn: what body and self-awareness really area simple awareness practice to do with your horse that will deepen your connectionwhy this kind of awareness matters in trainingwhat true feel isand you’ll hear real-life stories to inspire you I also warmly invite you to join the Inner Circle list of my upcoming Liberty Connection & Beyond program.You can join the list here.

In today’s episode, I’m talking about something that some trainers say: “It’s not done!” While others say: “You need it!” I’m talking about… pressure. I want to explain to you what pressure reallyis, and how you can use it with feel. You’re going to learn about: ·  The different types of pressure · Why I call it physical and driving “aids” instead of physical and driving “pressure” · The four ways in which the horse can react to pressure (aids) · What feel is, and the difference between being in contact versus out of contact ·  A real-life story Plus, I’ll guide you with reflective questionsand tips to bring this awareness into your training with your horse. Whether you’re working at liberty, on the ground, or in the saddle, this episode will help you better understand your own use of pressure and build a more connected, two-way communication with your horse. Mentionedin this episode:Bonding Time Deep Dive, a guided, step-by-step course to build a deep bond and unshakeable  trust with your horse. With love,– Karine

Have you ever raised your voice at your horse… or reacted out of frustration? You’re not alone.In this episode, we’re talking about something few feel safe to talk about: punishment. Not because we want to hurt our horses, but because we’re human… and sometimes emotions take over. But what really happens when we punish a horse?And how can we shift from reaction to real connection? In this episode, you’ll learn: Why punishment doesn’t lead to true learningWhat horses actually need when things go wrongHow to respond without causing fear or confusionWhat to do when emotions run high and how to repair trustThis episode isn’t about judging yourself. It’s about understanding more deeply, becoming more aware and making space for a new way. You’ll walk away with insights, tools, and a renewed sense of possibility: that softness and clarity can go hand in hand, and that you can be a calm, connected, and grounded presence for your horse. And if this touched you, please share it with a friend who might need to hear it too! For more inspiration visit Horsefulnesstraining.com With love, -- Karine

This episode is all about mindset and how it affects the way you train and connect with your horse. It is said that "your mindset shapes your reality." But what does that really mean? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore together. We’ll talk about the scientific research behind mindset, what it means to have a positive mindset (and what it doesn't mean), and how your mental attitude affects your relationship and training with your horse. I’ll also guide you with reflective questions and practical tips to help you integrate this awareness into your daily life as a horsewoman and to strengthen your mindset. So, join me in this new episode, and let me know your thoughts in the comments. I'd love to hear from you! With love, --Karine PS: for more inspiration - visit Horsefulnesstraining.com

In this episode of the Horsefulness Training Podcast, I talk about something that surprises many horsewomen: the idea that groundwork shouldn’t come first. You’ll discover: Why groundwork exercises like leading, lunging, trailer loading or obstacle work don’t build true connection on their own What should come before groundwork and why The importance of Liberty Connection Work as a foundation What happens when you focus on connection first, and training second I also share more about my Liberty Connection & Beyond program, how it helps you build a strong foundation, and how to join the Inner Circle List to be first to know when the doors open. ▶ For more about the Liberty & Beyond Program, and join the Inner Circle list, visit https://horsefulnesstraining.com/beyond-horse-training-program/ With love, -- Karine

In this episode, I talk about what I call “The Treat Trap”,  a common pitfall when trying to build a deep connection with your horse. You’ll learn: • What not to do when you want to build a natural, true bond • About horses' natural need for connection • Training your horse versus connecting with your horse • How I personally fell into the treat trap too, and what I learned from it I also share about my Bonding Time Deep Dive course, a unique course to guide you in creating a calm, joyful, and natural bond with your horse If this episode spoke to you, feel free to share it with a friend who would love it too 💛 Thanks for listening and for being part of this journey toward more connection, communication, and joy with your horse. I'd love to hear your thoughts – feel free to drop a comment or question!

Many horsewomen don’t realize how their own energy, affects their horse in so many ways.  Yes, most of you know you should be calm, most of you know that a horse can mirror you, but most of you don’t do enough to work with this. Horses are incredibly sensitive to energy, and even the slightest tension can create discomfort ordistance between you. And that is even more so, if you are dealing with a traumatized horse, or a horse that is anxious, stressed, or in another way out of balance.  In this episode I share three simple but essential steps to help your (challenging) horse, feel more connected, calm and trustful. So, take this opportunity to take the first step to connect with your horse in a new way. Enjoy, and if you have any questions, just ⁠send me an e-mail⁠ or post it here in the comment section. With love, -- Karine For more inspiration, please visit my website Horsefulnesstraining.com

In this episode, I go deeper into the challenge of horses that are difficult to approach, difficult to catch, and difficult to halter.Maybe you've experienced this at some point in your life as a horsewoman, or perhaps right now you're dealing with a horse who’s hard to catch.If that’s the case, I have a question for you: Have you ever wondered what it would feel like if the relationship with your horse began not with you choosing your horse, but with your horse choosing you? Together, we’ll go through a visualization in which you'll create a peaceful space, where your horse can become curious about you, where your horse can choose to be with you when he’s ready. Are you ready? Let me know in the comments how you experienced this deepening exercise. I’d love to read how it felt for you. If you want more inspiration, or my help, be sure to take a look at ⁠⁠horsefulnesstraining.com⁠⁠. For the Bonding Time Deep Dive mini-course, go here: https://horsefulnesstraining.com/bonding-time-deep-dive/ With love,--Karine

What if the strongest bond with your horse didn’t start with doing… but with simply being? In this episode, I share the heartfelt story of a so-called “sour mare” that changed the way I looked at connecting with horses forever, and how that experience grew into one the powerful practice of what I came to call Bonding Time. You’ll learn: What Bonding Time really is (spoiler: it’s notjust “spending undemanding time together”)Why it’s the essential first step of LibertyConnection WorkWhy it’s important to adapt the way you do Bonding Time with your horse. It’s not a one-size-fits-all practiceReal stories of transformationIf you’ve ever felt there must be a more natural and a more soulful way to bond and connect with your horse, this episode will feel like home. Want to learn more about the Bonding Time Deep Dive? Here’s the link where you’ll find all the information:  https://horsefulnesstraining.com/bonding-time-deep-dive/ If this episode spoke to you, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with others who might need to hear it too. You can tag me in your Stories or leave a comment here on Spotify; it means so much. Thank you! With love, -- Karine

In this episode, I explore a powerful question: Are you making progress with your horse, or are you making excuses? I talk about the fears that often hide behind our excuses, how they keep us stuck, and how small actions can lead to real growth. This is a loving but clear invitation to choose courage over comfort, and to show up for your horse, imperfectly, but fully present. Don't be shy to let me know your thoughts in the comments. And, if you want to know more about my work, I invite you to take a look at https://horsefulnesstraining.com/ Enjoy this episode ♡ With love, -- Karine

In this episode I talk about something that I carry deeply in my heart. It's a message I wish every horse owner could feel with his heart,  and not just understand with their head. It’s this: “Your horse doesn't need to be fixed”. We live in a world that is very focused on problems and which is very goal orientated.  We are trained to see what’s wrong, what needs to be corrected and what needs to improve or change. And this way of thinking, often without us realizing, creeps into our relationship with our horse as well. But what if there is nothing wrong with your horse? What if your horse doesn’t need fixing, but understanding? When you look at your horse with the eyes of your heart, you begin to see something else. You can see the message behind what they’re doing. You can see communication behind the behavior.If you are ready to move beyond traditional problem-solving methods and embrace a deeper, more soulful partnership with your horse, this episode will offer you a fresh perspective and practical inspiration. For more free resources on building a true and natural connection with your horse, visit www.horsefulnesstraining.com⁠. Thank you for listening and for being part of this journey towards more connection, communication, and joy with your horse. Feel free to drop a comment/question, and let me know what you think about this episode. With love, -- Karine

In this final episode of our 5-part myth-busting series, we’re tackling another harmful idea that still circulates in the horse world: “Your horse needs to know who’s boss, otherwise they’ll be difficult to train.” This dominance-based belief is rooted in a misunderstanding of how horses lead and interact within a herd. Many people still think that there is only 1 leading mare, who dominates the others and is always in charge. But observation and science show that leadership in horses is flexible, shared, and based on trust, not rank. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why being “the boss” can create resistance, tension, or robotic behavior in horses.  What it looks like when a horse truly chooses to cooperate, not from fear, but from trust. Why building a natural bond is the first and most essential step in any training. This episode will inspire you to train through connection, not control. Want to learn more about building a mindful, trust-based relationship with your horse? Visit www.horsefulnesstraining.com for free resources, or email us at [email protected]. Did you like this episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. I'd love to hear from you! With love, -- Karine

In this episode, we continue our myth-busting journey by taking a closer look at a very persistent belief from dominance-based training methods: If you move your feet first, you act lower in rank. This idea suggests that letting your horse "move you" somehow diminishes your authority. But is that really how horses think? The answer is no, and in this episode, I explain why. What you’ll learn in this episode: The difference between moving with purpose and being driven away Situations where it's okay (even wise!) to let your horse "move you" How to recognize when to stand your ground and when to yield Why leadership is not about rigid rules, but about awareness, confidence, and communication You’ll hear how conscious movement, and not control through dominance, helps build a better bond and mutual respect with your horse. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced horsewoman, this episode will help you train with more clarity, softness, and trust. Got a question or insight?Email me at [email protected] or leave a comment — I read and respond to every one! Explore more mindful horse training tips on www.horsefulnesstraining.com And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode. In the next episode, I’ll be diving into Myth #5: “Horses need to know who’s boss, otherwise they’re hard to train” — one you definitely want to hear! Until then, enjoy your time with your horse. With love, -- Karine

Among many trainers and horse owners, there is a strong belief in the dominance theory, and when a problem with the horse occurs, it is quickly claimed that the horse is dominant. When the horse is pushy, he's 'dominant'. When he bites, he’s 'dominant.' Even if the horse doesn’t follow an instruction given by a human, the horse 'is dominant,' while it is often the case that the horse doesn’t understand or reacts emotionally through fear or frustration. No horse IS dominant. What is possible is that a horse can SHOW dominant BEHAVIOR. Maybe you think, "That is the same thing, isn't it?" But no, it isn’t! In this episode, you'll find out why. Want to learn more about building a mindful, trust-based relationship with your horse? Visit ⁠www.horsefulnesstraining.com⁠ for free resources, or email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠. Did you like this episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. I'd love to hear from you! With love, -- Karine